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hopefully

adverb

Definition of hopefullynext
as in optimistically
in a positive or optimistic manner They waited hopefully for the doctor to update them on their friend's condition. When the sun appeared, we asked hopefully if everyone remembered to bring sunblock.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hopefully Baggs, hopefully your editor passes this along, but just wanted to thank you for your incredible coverage of the Giants. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Paddles for the life raft so the Clippers can change directions and make better decisions — hopefully with better decision-makers. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Or hope instead to be bad enough for a high enough 2027 draft pick to select (hopefully) the franchise quarterback that, most recently, Ryan Tannehill and then Tua Tagovailoa both failed to be. — Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 Earlier this month, Link, the Katalyst Space spacecraft that was originally set to rescue Swift conducted in-space tests and maneuvers to test its capabilities for future, and hopefully successful, missions. — Sara Hashemi, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefully
  1. optimistically
  2. cheerfully
  3. confidently
  4. happily
  5. joyfully
  6. positively
  7. joyously
Adverb
  • The bill’s supporters optimistically stress how Thune has promised there will be a vote in September.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The doc ends optimistically with a brief shot of the Tesla Roadster prototype.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 July 2026
Definition of optimistically
Adverb
  • Now, the apartment is back on the market — as cheerfully over the top as ever in the listing photos — with Compass brokers Haley Venn and Carl Gambino, who declined to comment.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 16 Sep. 2026
  • But Kelce, unaware of Gracie’s warnings, cheerfully makes a peace sign in response.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • Antonioli built his conglomerate gradually, quietly and confidently, backed by expertise in retail and fashion honed for years.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Children of various ages understand AI differently Young children are wired to trust information delivered confidently by adults.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of confidently
Adverb
  • As the two older girls dig through bins and happily run around with their shopping bags, their stepmom peruses the shelves with her 4-year-old, Galya.
    — Debbie Elliott, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Traditional KVMs live happily around racks and network switches.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of happily
Adverb
  • Experience cinema deeply and joyfully through noteworthy programming, including live music by renowned musicians, and in-depth conversations with world-class artists.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
  • On a wall nearby, a large framed photo captures the surf-loving Alex standing joyfully on a bluff high above the crashing waves, arms outstretched, his hair blowing in the breeze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of joyfully
Adverb
  • Some sources expand on the account in Genesis, suggesting the Sodomites were not only immoral but positively antimoral.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Still, plenty of performances jumped out from Week 1, both positively and negatively.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of positively
Adverb
  • When Oscar halfheartedly tries to throw a ball into one of the set’s prop cubes and improbably makes the shot, the whole set goes joyously nuts, with the performers leaping up to embrace him and cavort around him.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Newcomer Jorge Mateo delivered the winning run with a liner to left, and the Rays joyously celebrated their third walk-off win.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of joyously

Browse Nearby Words

hopeful
hopefully
hopefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Hopefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefully. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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